The Norcom (Portsmouth, VA) varsity basketball team will host a home conference game against Lake Taylor (Norfolk, VA) on Friday, January 31 at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Virginia High School Basketball
Who: Lake Taylor vs Norcom
When: Friday, January 31, 2025
Time: 7:00. p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Lake Taylor vs Norcom
As the winter season heats up, high school basketball fans in Virginia are gearing up for an exciting matchup between two teams with vastly different records but plenty to play for. The Lake Taylor Titans (24-25) are preparing to face the Norcom Greyhounds (24-25) in a crucial conference game that will have significant implications for the standings. The Titans and the Greyhounds will battle both tonight and again on January 31, with both teams looking to make a statement.
Lake Taylor Titans: A Dominant Force
Lake Taylor comes into the game with an impressive 11-2 record overall, including a solid 4-1 mark in the region. Their strong performance has been led by an explosive offense that scores an average of 62.4 points per game. The Titans have been particularly impressive on the road, boasting a 7-1 record in away games. Their balanced scoring attack, with averages of 16.7 points in the first quarter, 12.0 in the second, 15.3 in the third, and 16.3 in the final frame, shows a team that can perform under pressure and close out games effectively. The Titans’ scoring depth has proven to be too much for most teams to handle, with a +237 point differential on the season (811 points scored, 574 points allowed).
Notable victories include wins over Norview (56-54), Granby (50-32), and Booker T. Washington (91-9), demonstrating their ability to dominate lesser teams while also staying competitive against tough opponents. The Titans have proven themselves as one of the most formidable teams in the region, with strong performances at home and away.
Norcom Greyhounds: A Challenging Season
In contrast, the Norcom Greyhounds have had a tougher road this season. With a 6-9 overall record and a 2-4 mark in the region, Norcom has struggled to maintain consistency. While they have shown flashes of brilliance, including notable wins against Booker T. Washington (68-23), they have faced several setbacks, especially in conference play where they hold a 3-6 record. Despite a high-scoring offense that averages 54.6 points per game, Norcom has had difficulty closing out games, as evidenced by their average of 21.0 points in the fourth quarter but a 10-point deficit in the third quarter. Their inability to maintain momentum has hurt their overall performance.
The Greyhounds’ challenge this season has also been their inconsistency against common opponents. For example, they lost to Norview 67-47, while Lake Taylor won 56-54. Similar trends can be observed in games against Granby, Maury, and Churchland, where Norcom has been unable to match Lake Taylor’s level of play. The Greyhounds will need to find a way to execute consistently across all four quarters if they hope to compete against the Titans.
Head-to-Head: A Tale of Two Teams
Looking at the upcoming games, both teams have been prepping for these key matchups. Lake Taylor’s dominance in league play contrasts sharply with Norcom’s struggles, but the Greyhounds’ offense could provide a spark if they manage to execute better in the later stages of the game. The first of these two matchups takes place tonight, with the second scheduled for January 31 at Norcom. Lake Taylor will have the advantage of a strong away record (7-1) as they head to Portsmouth for the first game, while Norcom will look to defend home court.
One factor that could play into the game is the head-to-head record in common opponents. Lake Taylor holds a 5-1 record against shared opponents, while Norcom is 2-4. This suggests that, on paper, the Titans have shown greater consistency in their performance against teams of similar caliber.
Common Opponents: Key Insights
Both teams have faced similar opponents this season, and the results provide insight into their current form. For example, in the matchup against Norview, Lake Taylor narrowly edged out a win 56-54 on December 6, while Norcom suffered a 67-47 loss to the same team on January 13. Similarly, Lake Taylor beat Granby 50-32 on December 11, while Norcom fell 48-45 to Granby on January 15. These comparisons highlight the disparity in performance between the two teams.
However, it’s not all one-sided. Norcom has had some strong showings as well, especially in their win over Booker T. Washington, which is one of the biggest blowouts of the season (68-23). Their victories and near-victories over other teams show that they are capable of playing high-level basketball when everything clicks.
What’s at Stake
For Lake Taylor, maintaining momentum is key. A win against Norcom would solidify their position as one of the top teams in the region and keep them on track for a potential playoff run. For Norcom, this is a chance to turn the season around. A victory over Lake Taylor would give them a much-needed boost in confidence and improve their playoff chances as they look to close out the season strong.
The matchup between Lake Taylor and Norcom is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, as both teams have something to prove. As the Titans continue their quest for dominance and the Greyhounds battle for respect, basketball fans will want to keep an eye on these upcoming games, where every point counts in the race for the playoffs.
Stay tuned for more updates as these two teams continue their pursuit of excellence in Virginia high school basketball.
